Minorities

ECRI is entrusted with the task of combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in greater Europe More

from the perspective of the protection of human rights, in the light of the European Convention on Human Rights, its additional protocols and related case-law (Article 1 of ECRIís Statute).
ECRI is a human rights body of the Council of Europe, composed of independent experts, which monitors problems of racism, discrimination
on grounds such as ethnic origin, citizenship, colour, religion and language, as well as xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance; it prepares reports and issues recommendations to member States.
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2011 saw a renewed focus on issues concerning Roma issues at the Council of Europe with the creation of a dedicated transversal team for Roma issues. This structure acts as a hub bringing together the different projects on Roma being undertaken at the Council of Europe following the high level meeting on Roma. More

It also builds on the work carried out and results achieved by the Council of Europe in this field, in particular over the past 15 years.
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The Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities has been in force since February 1998 and has 39 member States. It is the only legally binding instrument world-wide aiming at the protection of the specific rights of persons belonging to national minorities in key areas,
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including equality and non-discrimination provisions, media, language and education rights, as well as access to effective participation in public life.

Democracy and human rights education is about our rights and our responsibilities. The Council of Europe aims to promote and ensure respect for the human rights and dignity of LGBT persons More

and to combat discrimination and violence against them in the 47 member states. The LGBT Issues Unit is the focal point for LGBT issues within the Council of Europe. Its objectives are to implement Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5, to organise and support relevant conferences and activities, document developments and be the home of the LGBT Project.
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